And ex-manager Steve McClaren has followed suit, also ruling himself out of the running to replace Aitor Karanka.

While Steve Gibson has issued more than one show of support for current caretaker Steve Agnew, rumours circulated claiming Redknapp was in the running to take charge at the Riverside, with one national report claiming he was interested in the job.

Some social media whispers which gathered pace at the weekend even claimed the ex-Tottenham and Portsmouth boss had checked in at Gisborough Hall Hotel. And the arrival of Joe Jordan - Redknapp's long-time No.2 - led some to put two and two together.

The 70-year-old came in to third favourite for the job with one punter having £300 on the experienced former QPR man to get the Boro gig on a permanent basis.

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Agnew has known Jordan a long time and contacted the Scot at the back end of last week, revealing that within six hours of making that call the 65-year-old was at Rockliffe ready to start work.

"Joe is a good signing," said Redknapp.

"He will be a big help to Steve Agnew up there.

"He is a real steady great guy and is a good bloke to have around in a crisis. He'll be a big help to the young manager. I hope they do well."

Also ruling himself out is Steve McClaren. A return of the club's most successful ever boss was always extremely unlikely in any case, however McClaren, who was sacked as Derby manager this month, has confirmed he won't be taking charge at the Riverside.

He told Sky Sports: "It's a natural link and he's the best chairman [Steve Gibson] I ever worked with, I had five fantastic years there.

"But not for me now, it's the only place in England I can go and have a nice cup of coffee without getting pestered and I don't want to lose that!"